County Mental Health Association sponsors autism awareness events

Goshen — The Mental Health Association in Orange County is celebrating April as Autism Awareness Month with several events. A candle lighting ceremony will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 27, at the arboretum in Thomas Bull Memorial Park on Route 416 in Montgomery. Participants will light a candle in honor of a specific individual who has an autism spectrum disorder, or to show support, love, understanding and acceptance for the entire community. As part of the ceremony, there will be a dedication of the tree planted last fall by Parents Run AMOC (Autism Move-A-Thon of Orange County) on the grounds of the arboretum. There will also be music and light refreshments. Regularly scheduled support groups will be held for general discussion, networking, and mutual support. New members are welcome at any of the groups. Parents are encouraged to attend and share information and experiences relating to raising a child who is living with a spectrum disorder. Parents and family members of children who have Autism or Pervasive Developmental Disorder will meet at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 25, at the Mental Health Association at 20 Walker Street in Goshen. On Thursday, April 27, parents of children with Asperger Syndrome will get together at 9:30 a.m. for their support group meeting. All events are free, but registration is required. For more information or reservations, call Anne Klingner at 294-7411 ext. 253.